LILLIE MAE CHASTAIN

EASLEY — Lillie Mae Chastain, 88, of Easley, passed away at her home on Saturday, June 29, 2024.

Mae was born on May 9, 1936, in Pickens County to the late Wydman and Edna Browning. She was a homemaker who loved God, her family and her home. She was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley. She loved listening to gospel music; reading poetry and books, especially her Bible.

Mae is survived by her three daughters, Linda Wade of Easley, Patricia LaChance (Jeff) of Orlando, Fla., and Julie Hess of Easley; son, Mark Chastain (Nikki) of Piedmont; 14 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Mae was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Carlee Chastain; daughter, Diane Ramey; one sister and one brother.

A visitation for Lillie will be held from 11-11:45 a.m. July 3 at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens. A funeral service will begin at noon in the Dillard chapel. A committal service will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

VIRGIL A. ‘BUBBA’ BRANTLEY

TOWNVILLE — Virgil A. “Bubba” Brantley, 75, loving husband of 53 years to Glenda Ridlehoover Brantley, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.

Born Aug. 8, 1948, in Augusta, Ga., Virgil was the son of the late Respress Olin Brantley and Fhilomena Gardner Brantley. Mr. Brantley was a member of the U.S. Army National Guard. He was a member of Northside Baptist Church in Greenwood. He worked as an electrician in retirement from Duke Energy and helped people with their boat docks. He loved cutting grass on his tractor, and fishing for striped bass was his joy.

Survivors include his wife, Glenda Ridlehoover Brantley of Townville; two daughters, Shea Martin (Erik) of Seneca and Charly Brantley (Matt) of Abbeville; grandchildren, Makenzie, Riley and Jackson; two sisters, Delores Risinger (Phil) of Greenwood and Diana Girardeau (Michael) of Laurens; and many loving nieces and nephews and many loyal friends.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Brantley was predeceased by a grandson, Damon Cole Martin.

Visitation will be held from 6-7 p.m. July 9 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens, with a memorial service to follow at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Virgil’s honor may be made to the Cancer Association of Anderson, 215 E. Calhoun St., Anderson, SC 29621, (864) 222-3500.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Brantley family.

 

KEVIN BRYAN LEWIS

PICKENS — Kevin Lewis, 50, lost his courageous battle with glioblastoma on Friday, June 28, 2024, at his home in Pumpkintown, surrounded by family.

Born on Oct. 2, 1973, in Charlotte, N.C., he was the loving husband of 31 years to Jill Lewis and son of Ronnie Lewis (Joy) and Joan Hendricks (Ervin).

Kevin worked for Blue Ridge Electric Co-op for 30 years, first as a lineman, then later a field engineer. He was a member of the Keowee Masonic Lodge and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandson, Judson.

In addition to his wife and parents, Kevin is survived by children, Brodey Lewis and Kase Lewis; grandson, Judson Lewis; sister, Brittany Lewis Barham (Patrick); stepsisters, Annelise Martens (Matthew) and Alexandra Park (Matt); grandmother, Verna Mae Abercrombie; nieces, Madison Waterman (Jake), Presley Barham; mother-in-law, Pam Grant; and sister-in-law, Amy Myers (Randy).

Kevin was predeceased by his daughter, Allison Kaye Lewis; grandparents, James Abercrombie, Edwin and Mildred Lewis; and father-in-law, Gary Chappell.

Flowers are accepted.

Funeral services were July 2, at Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel, followed by a graveside committal at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel is assisting the family of Mr. Lewis

JASON AVERY KEMP

EASLEY — Jason Avery Kemp, 45, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at his residence.

Born Dec. 2, 1978, in Montevallo, Ala., Jason was the son of Teresa D. Bailey.

Jason loved all types of cars, but especially loved Porsches and Volkswagens. He collected diecast cars, and that’s what he always wanted for Christmas. He spent his spare time working in his shop.

He was a very neat, organized and independent person. He was a very good and loving son and brother. He loved his family dearly, especially his nieces and nephews.

Survivors include his mother, Teresa D. Bailey of Greenville; his stepfather who raised him, John Bailey; brother, Russell Cummings (Tammy) of Belton; nephews, Blake and Bryant; nieces, Breanna and Brittany; great-niece, Kali; and his most precious additional nieces and nephews — these were all the children he ever wanted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jason’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting their website at stjude.org.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Kemp family.

 

TONY P. ‘TJ’ JENKINS

EASLEY — Tony P. “TJ” Jenkins, 37, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at his residence.

Born June 2, 1987, in Pickens County, TJ was the son of Tony E. Jenkins and the late Janet Lofton Jenkins. TJ was a talented musician who loved his music and playing musical instruments, including the keyboard, bass and horns.

Survivors include his father, Tony E. Jenkins of Easley; a newborn daughter, Aria Cadence Jenkins; and siblings, Dakota Jenkins of Clemson and Antonio Collier of Texas.

Mr. Jenkins was predeceased by his mother, Janet Lofton Jenkins.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Jenkins family.

 

MARY FARR

SUNSET — On Sunday, June 23, 2024, Mary Farr passed away in Sunset.

Born in Gainesville, Ga., Mary grew up in Buford and New Holland. While attending North Georgia College in Dahlonega, she spent weekends at the Jones House, her grandparents’ residence on the square.

While earning a B.S. in early elementary education, Mary met Glenn, a cadet at NGC. Their first encounter was on the drill field after Mary’s P.E. class, where Glenn, in uniform, not so tactfully pointed out that she needed to comb her messy hair. Fortunately, Mary chose to appreciate his sense of humor, and they married soon after graduation.

Mary was a supportive wife, a schoolteacher, a good neighbor, a devoted mother, and caregiver to her mother, mother-in-law and beloved aunt, Wanda Jones. While raising a family in Travelers Rest, Mary was an equal partner in real estate development with Glenn. A member of Travelers Rest First Baptist and later Trinity Presbyterian, she devoted much time to church functions. After moving to Sunset, Mary and Glenn joined Holly Springs Baptist.

Mary loved traveling, gardening and cultivating muscadine vines. Her jelly was enjoyed by many. Mary was a fantastic cook. She made Christmas a magical time of the year, and G-mama’s Sugar Cookies were anxiously anticipated. Mary was an avid collector of everything, loved thrifting, and had an eye for “treasure.” She could often be found meandering through the jockey lot, pulling her cart and haggling for the best prices.

A Georgia native, Mary also called the mountains of Pickens County home, but the North Carolina Brunswick Islands were her happy place. With Mary at the helm, the family’s most cherished memories were made somewhere along the shores of Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle and Holden.

Mary is survived by her husband, Glenn Farr of Sunset; daughter, Amy (Ronnie) Watson of Easley, son, Charles Farr of Sunset; grandchildren, Sophia Watson and Ryan Watson of Easley; and family friend Clay Hudson of Newnan, Ga.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Dr. J.R. Chastain and Frances Chastain; stepmother, Nola Chastain; brother, Joe Chastain; and aunt, Wanda Jones.

The family thanks Patriot Hospice. Also, thanks to Prisma Health Cancer Institute-Seneca. Mary affectionately referred to their all-female (but for one) nursing staff as her “girls … and David.”

The family will be at the home in Sunset, and a celebration of life will be planned at a later date. A private graveside service will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Dahlonega.

A love offering will be given to support furthering the education of someone special to Mary. If you would like to donate, contact the family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting mountainviewfunerals.com.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Farr family.

 

WADE MELVIN WATSON

SIX MILE — Wade Melvin Watson, 82, went to be with his Lord on Friday, June 28, 2024, after a brief illness.

Melvin was born on Dec. 30, 1941, to the late Wade Curby Watson and Julie Norma Bolding Watson of Six Mile, where he resided most of his life.

Melvin earned a Bachelor’s of Science in engineering from Clemson University and continued exhibiting his thirst for knowledge, earning two more degrees and numerous other certificates.

Melvin also served his country in the U.S. Army for over 30 years before retiring as a sergeant major.

Melvin and his sidekick, Phillip, enjoyed serving their community, working with the saw mill and in the shop fixing various tractors and vehicles.

Surviving are his dear wife of 45 years, Mary Jo Rowland Watson; his beloved son, Phillip Hugh Watson; and revered sister, Rachel Ann Watson Hendricks.

Melvin was passionate about sharing the love of our Lord with others. He attended Praters Creek Baptist Church, where he was a loyal servant of God.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. July 3 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

CLYDE DODGENS

PICKENS — Clyde Dodgens, 84, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

Mr. Dodgens was born on May 19, 1940, to the late Sam Dodgens and Lucille Cantrell. He enjoyed truck driving, racing and fishing.

Mr. Dodgens is survived by three sons, Richard Dodgens (Joyce), Maurice Dodgens (Patricia) and Keith Dodgens (Robyn); two daughters, Lori Dodgens and Angela Hendricks (Wade); one brother, Sammy Dodgens; one sister, Laura Hinds; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Dodgens was preceded in death by four siblings, Avaanell, Maxwell, Doug and Billy.

Funeral services were conducted in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home on July 1.

Mr. Dodgens was laid to rest following the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.